from

preposition

ˈfrəm 

ˈfräm,

 also  fəm

1

a

—used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits

came here from the city

a week from today

cost from $5 to $10

b

—used as a function word to indicate the starting or focal point of an activity

called me from a pay phone

ran a business from her home

2

—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation

protection from the sun

relief from anxiety

3

—used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis

we conclude from this

a call from my lawyer

inherited a love of music from his father

worked hard from necessity

Examples of from in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Testimony from Hutchinson, a former aide to Republican White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, helped investigators reach that conclusion. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025

Antiperspirant prevents you from perspiring, just as the name suggests. —Chioma Nnadi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025

However, maximum passenger capacity could range from 440 to 550 depending on configuration. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English from, fram; akin to Old High German fram, adverb, forth, away, Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

from

preposition

(ˈ)frəm 

ˈfräm

1

—used to show a starting or central point

came here from the city

a letter from home

ran a business from home

2

—used to show removal or separation

the dictator fell from power

subtract 3 from 9

far from safe

3

—used to show a material, source, or cause

a doll made from rags

reading aloud from a book

suffering from a cold